Kerala HC Judges Narrowly Escape Pahalgam Terror Attack; Left Hours Before Carnage

Srinagar, April 23, 2025 — In what can only be described as a narrow escape from certain tragedy, three Kerala High Court judges and their families managed to leave Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam mere hours before a deadly terrorist attack struck the area, killing 28 people and leaving dozens injured.

The judges — Justice Anil K Narendran, Justice G Girish, and Justice PG Ajithkumar — were vacationing in the Valley, accompanied by their families, as part of a private visit that began on April 17.

Judges Left Pahalgam Just Hours Before Attack

According to a report by The Hindu, the judicial delegation had stayed in Pahalgam on April 21 and spent the day visiting popular sites. On the morning of April 22, around 9:30 AM, the group left for Srinagar, located approximately 90 kilometers away.

By noon, the judges had reached the state capital — a few critical hours before terrorists opened fire on civilians in Baisaran Valley, a popular tourist meadow often dubbed “mini Switzerland.”

The attack, which left 28 people dead, including tourists and locals, has since been claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF) — a shadow group linked to Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).

Panic in Legal Circles, Relief Follows

As news of the terror strike broke, concern quickly rippled through the legal community. Multiple media outlets reported that judges from Kerala had been in Pahalgam recently, prompting high-level confirmations from court officials and local authorities.

“It was a close call,” said a senior legal officer familiar with the itinerary. “We are grateful they and their families are safe.”

A Valley of Beauty, Now a Site of Sorrow

The attack has cast a long shadow over the valley’s fragile peace and tourism-driven revival. Survivors of the attack described sniper-style shooting, indiscriminate firing into tents, and chaotic scenes of people trying to flee through narrow exits.

The judges, by a sheer stroke of timing, avoided being caught in the violence. It’s a detail that’s both chilling and fortunate, underscoring how random and ruthless acts of terror can alter lives in seconds.

Commentary: When Fate Intervenes

While the judges’ escape is a story of relief, it highlights the unpredictable nature of violence in conflict zones. Their narrow miss serves as a reminder that no one is truly immune to the dangers that persist in regions plagued by militant threats.

In the coming days, security in tourist areas is expected to be reviewed, with calls for stricter protective measures already rising from several quarters.